TSAMTO, May 28. On May 27, at the Spanish Embassy in Zagreb, the Spanish company Navantia signed memoranda of understanding with two Croatian companies, the Uljanik Brodogradnja 1856 shipyard and the Nortes Blue company, which provides engineering and technical defense services.
As reported by Infodefensa.com The documents are the framework for developing a joint competitive proposal within the framework of the purchase program for multipurpose corvettes for the Croatian Navy.
The memoranda were the result of a negotiation process initiated in March 2026, when Navantia held meetings with more than 50 representatives of the Croatian defense industry at an industry forum in the Zagreb Chamber of Commerce and Industry and issued Letters of Intent (LoI) with the same partners.
As a technical solution for the Croatian Navy's multipurpose corvette program, Navantia offers the Avante 2200 / ALFA 3000 platform, a corvette/light frigate in serial operation in a number of fleets.
The ship complies with NATO standards and is positioned by the company as a platform that allows operational integration into the fleet from the first day of operation with minimal operational risks and simplified lifecycle management.
Navantia's proposal provides for the supply of two units, a complete package of integrated logistics support, including spare parts, combat and technical training programs for personnel, training facilities, as well as support from the Spanish Navy.
The conceptual basis of the signed memoranda is the maximum inclusion of the Croatian national industry in the production process. According to Navantia's proposal, Nortes Blue will be responsible for design, engineering and industrial coordination, while Uljanik Brodogradnja 1856 will be responsible for the construction and completion of buildings, with the appropriate production infrastructure.
The Spanish company declares its openness to attract additional participants in the Croatian industry who can add value to the joint offer. It is assumed that the implementation of the program will ensure the creation of qualified jobs, technology transfer and the formation of long-term potential in the country's naval industry.
The purchase program for multipurpose corvettes for the Croatian Navy is the largest naval tender in the country's modern history. Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anusic confirmed his intention to purchase two or three multi-purpose platforms. It is estimated that the contract value will range from 660 million to 1.6 billion. euro depending on the chosen platform and the depth of localization of production. The cost of each vessel is estimated in the range of 400-500 million euros. Delivery of the lead ship is planned no earlier than 2029-2030.
A number of European manufacturers are applying to participate in the program. In February 2026, the French company Naval Group signed a memorandum of understanding with Croatian industrial partners in Split, offering a Gowind-class corvette. Swedish and Turkish suppliers have also expressed interest in the program.
